New motorcycle V-Log targets interstate motorcyclists

The Hodgman Liberal Government is committed to working with the community to achieve our Towards Zero goal, a long-term vision of zero deaths and serious injuries on our roads.

Today, we are pleased to announce the development of an innovative motorcycle safety video log (V-log) that is targeting interstate motorcyclists to better prepare them for safe and enjoyable riding in Tasmania.

Through the Road Safety Levy, the Government has invested $50,000 to undertake evidence-based initiatives under the Tourist Road Safety Strategy and the motorcycle V-log is the first action to be implemented.

A five-year crash analysis (2010-2014) shows 1249 serious casualty crashes over the period, with 131 of these involving tourists. Interstate motorcycle riders made up nearly half (46 per cent) of the tourist serious casualty crashes, and of these 86 per cent involved a single motorcycle.

The new motorcycle V-log features Malcolm Campbell (multi-Australian superbike champion) and interstate Ulysses member, Lester Knowles. They ride parts of Tasmania seeing our breathtaking scenery while discussing what to look out for to make the ride as safe and enjoyable as possible.

Tasmania is a rider’s dream with plenty of tight bends, sweeping corners, long straights, little traffic and great scenery, which makes it fantastic for touring – but there is plenty to challenge even the best riders.

The V-log looks at planning a trip and aiming to travel no more than 300km per day to reduce the risks of inattention and fatigue. It also highlights that in Tasmania riders need to expect the unexpected including animals or farm machinery on the road, changing weather conditions, and loose gravel on the road surface.

The V-Log video will be shown on the Spirit of Tasmania’s onboard media channel, which is accessible on mobile devices for passengers who travel with TT-Line.

It will also be available via Tourism Tasmania links including Regional Tourism Organisations as well as local and interstate motorcycle clubs and tour operators.

An unprecedented number of interstate motorcyclists are expected over this summer’s peak visitor period.

In February 2016 about 3000 Ulysses members from all across Australia will be visiting Tasmania, and the V-log will be distributed to them before they arrive.

Chair of the Road Safety Advisory Council, Jim Cox, said interstate motorcyclists are significantly overrepresented in tourist crashes in Tasmania.

“It is fantastic to see an innovative way to reach our target audience, we want interstate motorcyclists to enjoy riding in Tasmania and all it has to offer, be safe and to come again,” Mr Cox said.

“The development of this V-log will provide interstate riders with an insight to riding in Tasmania, our unique roads and tips to ride safely in Tasmania before they get here.”

View the V-Log here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yA6EXPLaxQY
Rene Hidding, Minister for Infrastructure Jim Cox, Chair, Road Safety Advisory Council